Hilton Worldwide to open 200-room hotel at new AECC

Hilton Worldwide has agreed a franchise licence agreement with Aberdeen City Council for the hotel development in the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, which will be managed by Glasgow-based Redefine|BDL Hotels

Hilton Worldwide has agreed a franchise licence agreement with Aberdeen City Council to open a 200 room Hilton Hotels & Resorts at the new Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).

Hilton said the opening of a fourth property in the city will create “approximately 350 jobs”.

The Hilton Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, expected to open in 2019, will be managed by Glasgow-based Redefine|BDL Hotels, whose portfolio includes DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre and DoubleTree by Hilton Dundee.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor, Jenny Laing said franchise agreement is the “next step of this major project”.

She said: “We look forward to working with Hilton, whose commitment to Aberdeen is a testament to their confidence in the area and the strategic value it places on our economy as the city embarks on an exciting transformational journey.

“The new AECC joins the City Council’s £516 million investment in a capital programme over the next five years.

“The investment will allow the city to face current challenges and prosper not only within communities but also on a global scale.”

The hotel, which will be built in to the new AECC, will include an executive lounge and up to 10 meeting rooms of variable sizes along with a cocktail bar, speciality restaurant, fitness centre and wet leisure and spa facilities.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton, said: “The new Hilton in Aberdeen will enhance the city’s reputation as a leading choice for conferencing and events in Scotland.

“Our established reputation in corporate and events hospitality will draw visitors and further events activity to the area.

“Aberdeen City Council’s strategy of broadening the local economy across a number of sectors - including tourism - and this project further demonstrates that Aberdeen is a robust market with a bright future.”